Massachusetts GOP Candidate Drops Out of Race After DUI Arrest

Massachusetts Republican lieutenant governor nominee Shawn Oliver has suspended his campaign after being arrested on charges including operating under the influence following a late-night rollover crash that damaged five parked vehicles.

Oliver, 42, announced Sunday that he was stepping aside. The New Bedford city councilor’s decision came after Republican gubernatorial nominee Mike Minogue publicly called for him to suspend his campaign, weeks before the November election.

Oliver confirmed the move in a statement posted on X, saying “the election is too important to be overshadowed by personal matters.”

The arrest followed a crash in New Bedford late Saturday night. Police said officers responded at about 11:40 p.m. to an accident at 448 Dartmouth St. They found a vehicle that had overturned after striking five parked cars. Two of the parked vehicles sustained extensive damage.

Authorities identified Oliver as the driver. He was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital for treatment of his injuries. After investigating at the scene and hospital, officers arrested him on charges of operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, a marked lanes violation and speeding.

The New Bedford Police Department confirmed the charges to Fox News Digital.

Minogue, a businessman and military veteran challenging Democratic Gov. Maura Healey, said he was disappointed by Oliver’s arrest.

“I am extremely disappointed. Shawn is lucky to be alive and lucky that no one innocent was hurt,” Minogue wrote on X.

“There is no excuse for driving under the influence,” he added.

Minogue said he spoke with Oliver before publicly demanding that he suspend his campaign immediately. He also said that, if elected governor, he would formally request Oliver’s resignation.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell confirmed the crash occurred in the city’s South End.

“This morning, I was made aware that City Councilor Shawn Oliver was involved in a car accident in the South End and taken into custody,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell praised the police response and said he was relieved nobody was seriously injured.

“The allegations against Councilor Oliver are deeply concerning, and the public deserves to hear his explanation of what happened,” Mitchell added.

The Massachusetts Department of Correction, where Oliver works, said he has been placed on restricted duty while the circumstances are reviewed.

“Shawn Oliver has been placed on restricted work duty while all facts and circumstances are reviewed. He is currently assigned to the Massachusetts Treatment Center,” department spokesman Scott J. Croteau said.

Minogue urged Oliver to focus on his family and take steps to prevent another incident.

“Shawn is a father and grandfather, and he needs to put his family first. He needs to do the work to ensure this never happens again,” Minogue wrote.

Oliver has suspended his campaign while the charges remain pending.